Buffalo Braces For More Snow, Thunder As Storm Continues
An extra two to three feet of snow are expected to fall on the already winter-ravaged area of Buffalo, New York on Thursday.
Beginning Tuesday, the northeastern city saw five and a half feet of snow in a freak lake-effect snow storm that dumped two-thirds of the city's annual snowfall in just two days. Local media outlets reported major highways had been closed down and people were forced to stay in their homes during the brutal storm. Eight people died this week due to the extreme conditions.
According to the New York Times, Buffalo was greeted with "thunder snow" early Thursday morning that caused 4,000 homes in the area to lose power. Some roofs reportedly collapsed and residents from one nursing home were forced to evacuate, according to the media outlet.
The New York Times reports that local police and fire authorities are imploring locals to stay inside and not brave the treacherous roads. Locals are also encouraged to watch for lightning strikes that seem to be occurring often.
"Do not ask us to rescue you," Rich Tobe, the deputy Erie County executive, told the media outlet.
According to CNN, local fire stations have been offering shelter to those who were unable to get out of the storm. Over six feet of snow is expected to cover Buffalo and surrounding areas by Thursday night.
Buffalo's Mayor Byron Brown commended local rescue workers for saving those stranded by the storm. Viral photos posted to the internet show firemen carrying patients to the hospital in over five feet of snow.
"It is clear that we are one Buffalo," Brown said, according to CNN.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo added that the city has "come together and shown a real sense of community and neighbor helping neighbor, which is always good to see."
